Comparison of two doses of intra-articular tranexamic acid on postoperative bleeding in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionTranexamic Acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic that inhibits the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin is used to decrease perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in orthopedic surgery. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative bleeding in two intra-articular doses (1g and 2g) of tranexamic acid in adult patients undergoing unilateral total knee replacement. MethodWe conducted a single-operator, randomized, and controlled, double-blind study in two groups. The G1 group received 1g of intra-articular TXA and the G2 group 2g of intra-articular TXA. Both groups received 15mgkg−1 IV before the surgical incision (TXA induction dose) and then 10mgkg−1, orally, 6 and 12hours after the induction dose of TXA.The primary endpoint was bleeding measured by blood loss in postoperative drainage. Secondary outcomes were change in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels on the first and third postoperative days, and the need for transfusion during hospitalization. ResultsIn total, 100 patients were randomized, and 100 were included in the analysis. Blood loss in postoperative drainage was similar in both groups (200±50 vs. 250±50mL, G1 and G2 groups respectively). Change in hematocrit and hemoglobin values (% of change) between preoperative and day 3 were not statically significant between groups G1 and G2 (18±5 vs. 21±4; 21±7 vs. 22±5 respectively). No patients received blood transfusion. ConclusionsOur study did not show superiority of 2g of intra-articular tranexamic acid compared to 1g.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04085575